Seattleites flock to spray parks, beaches for heat wave relief

Temperatures around Puget Sound climbed into the high 80s on Monday, with more hot weather in the forecast. People around Seattle escaped the heat at city parks and beaches.

Hot sunlight filled Seattle Center on Monday beneath a brilliant, cloudless blue sky.

A light, merciful breeze filtered through the trees where people sat in their shade.

Monday was the first day of a heat wave covering Western Washington this week. Some areas saw temperatures peak at 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

In the center of the park at Seattle Center, Omar Rodriguez danced through the geysers of icy water at International Fountain.

He brings his four kids and wife from Tacoma every year when it gets this hot.

“Have fun with the family and spend some time with them, and cool down a little bit too,” he said while standing in front of a fountain jet.

Seattle has a handful of spray parks, including at the Ballard Commons and Yesler Terrace Park.

Rodriguez has AC but said every summer, it’s getting harder for him to keep his house cool.

“I’ve been here in Seattle for 27 years and it's getting hotter and hotter and hotter, and we’re not used to this weather,” he said.

International Fountain’s jets of cool water called to Will Kunz like an oasis in the desert.

“It's very hot out here and I saw that water spouting out, and it's time,” Kunz said. He’s visiting from Oregon with his wife.

They were cruising around Seattle Center on e-scooters when they saw people running down to the water.

Kunz immediately pulled over, emptied his pockets, and ran in after them — fully clothed.

“That was awesome, man,” Kunz said dripping with water, “I feel a lot better now. It’s a little chilly but it was nice, very nice.”

The National Weather Service in Seattle says the heat will stick around through Thursday before dropping into the 70s.

The Seattle Center Armory next to the fountain is open as a cooling center for people who are experiencing homelessness.